Fabulous feathers captured on film

With two-thirds of North America’s birds threatened with extinction, the Audubon Society works to inform, inspire and unite communities in conservation action. Its annual photographic competition draws entries in the thousands from across the United States and Canada and the winners of the eight prizes across five divisions has just been announced. The winners and top 100 entries are featured in the Summer 2021 Audubon magazine and in a virtual photography awards exhibition online. See more at audubon.org

Carolina Fraser took out the grand prize with this greater roadrunner standing proudly in the midst of an evening dust bath, backlit by the setting sun at Los Novios Ranch, Cotulla, Texas. Steve Jessmore won the professional award category with this red male northern cardinal seemingly floating above the snowy ground in Rural Muskegon County, Michigan.

Robin Ulery’s photo of a newborn sandhill crane colt resting on top of its mother at Johns Lake, Winter Garden in Florida, won the amateur award category.